LA YANG | nurse
La Yang-Thao always dreamed of a job in healthcare. So when she landed a job as an administrative assistant at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, she was thrilled. It didn’t take long to realize that the job she had dreamed of was at the bedside, not behind a desk.
Still, the idea of changing careers seemed cost-prohibitive. All that changed when La received an email from the hospital’s director of human resources. Scholarships and low-interest loans were available, the email said, for hospital employees wanting to pursue a job in healthcare. The benefactor: Health Careers Foundation.
Each year, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and more than 400 other hospitals nationwide partner with HCF by distributing applications and sponsoring applicants. Their involvement helps employees like La reach their dreams, which in turn eases the shortage of trained healthcare professionals.
La completed her nursing degree in December 2003. You’ll find her at a child’s bedside delivering tender patient care. When you do, remind her that she’s not dreaming.
